Belgium Joins European Top 5 for Business AI Adoption

Belgium has secured a position among the top five European Union member states for artificial intelligence adoption by businesses, according to the Belgian Digital Economy Overview 2026 published by the FPS Economy on Tuesday. The report reveals that 34.54% of Belgian companies used at least one AI technology in 2025, a sharp increase from 24.71% in 2024 and far above the EU average of 19.95%, as reported by HLN.

A Digital Powerhouse in the Making

The findings cement Belgium’s reputation as a digital innovation leader within the European Union. The country’s AI adoption rate now exceeds the EU average by more than 70%, placing it alongside Nordic nations and the Netherlands at the forefront of the continent’s AI transformation.

According to Business AM, Belgian businesses are deploying AI primarily for text analysis, content generation, machine learning, and workflow automation. These technologies are most commonly applied in administrative processes, accounting, finance, marketing, and sales.

A Tale of Two Economies: The SME Gap

While the headline figures are impressive, the report reveals a significant digital divide based on company size. More than 76% of large Belgian enterprises have adopted AI, compared to just over 28% of small companies. This gap underscores a critical challenge: smaller firms often lack the internal technical expertise, face legal uncertainty around AI regulation, and harbor concerns about data privacy.

The FPS Economy has indicated it will provide practical guidance and clearer communication regarding the EU’s AI Act to help smaller businesses navigate compliance and overcome these barriers.

Belgians Embrace Generative AI

Beyond the corporate sphere, Belgian individuals are also adopting AI at an accelerated pace. Some 33.53% of Belgians used generative AI tools for personal purposes in 2025, well above the European average of 25.09%. When professional and educational use is included, more than 42% of adults aged 16 to 74 have recently interacted with generative AI, as noted by TakeToNews.

Government Vision: From Users to Masters

Minister of Digitalization Vanessa Matz (Les Engagés) welcomed the findings while calling for an ambitious national strategy. “Belgians are particularly digitally active,” Matz said. “We must now further strengthen this dynamic with an ambitious and coherent strategy, so that Belgium is not only a country that uses AI, but also a country that understands AI, controls it, and contributes to its further development.”

Matz emphasized that this requires strengthening domestic expertise, supporting talent, improving access to European technological capabilities, and building a trust framework. She stressed that AI development must occur “within a clear, protective, and inclusive framework that guarantees respect for privacy, prevents bias, and prevents the digital transition from further increasing inequalities.”

The government plans to launch an “AI Antenna” to connect Belgium to European AI networks, fostering a reliable, inclusive, and ethical AI ecosystem.

E-Commerce Continues Its Rise

The report also highlights Belgium’s robust e-commerce sector. Nearly eight in ten Belgians (78.53%) made online purchases in 2025, with physical goods leading, followed by digital cultural services, video streaming subscriptions, and event tickets. Online sales now represent 29.51% of total business turnover in Belgium, exceeding EU norms.

However, socio-economic gaps persist. Nearly 90% of highly educated Belgians shop online, compared to just over half of those with lower educational attainment. Adults aged 55 to 74 also purchase less frequently online.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the encouraging data, several challenges remain. The SME adoption gap, skills shortages, and legal uncertainties around AI regulation pose significant hurdles. The digital divide along educational and age lines also requires targeted policy interventions to ensure inclusive digital transformation.

What to Watch

Belgium’s rapid year-over-year growth in AI adoption — a nearly 40% relative increase from 2024 to 2025 — suggests accelerating momentum. The government’s focus on moving from AI consumption to AI mastery could spur further investment in research, talent development, and domestic AI capabilities. With the EU’s AI Act creating a new regulatory landscape, Belgium is positioning itself not just to comply, but to lead.